Arnold Palmer pumps his fist after hitting his ceremonial tee shot before the first round of Masters on Thursday. / Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports

by Steve DiMeglio, USA TODAY Sports

by Steve DiMeglio, USA TODAY Sports

AUGUSTA, Ga. - The three legends walked to the first tee through a throng of admirers. As ceremonial firsts go, you can't get much better than Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player starting your event.

Emerging from the Augusta National clubhouse to cheers and pats on the back and walking about 50 yards to the first tee, the Big Three got the 77th edition of the Masters underway on a misty, cloudy Thursday.

At 7:45 a.m. ET, Palmer, a four-time champion, hit a solid drive down the right side of the fairway, thrusting his fist in celebration. Player, a three-time champion, was next and he, too, found the fairway. Nicklaus, who has won a record six times at Augusta, topped off the perfect fairways-in-regulation with another solid drive.

On the scene: A steady stream of spectators headed down to Amen Corner to get a prime seating location - an hour at least before any player gets there. Many, however, are making stops on the right side of 10 - to see where Bubba Watson was when he hit his miracle shot last year. The area is getting trampled down â?? don't know if that will make the shot easier if it comes up again?

The Big Oak Tree between the clubhouse and the first tee - the main hub of Augusta National - was buzzing this morning. Nicklaus was holding court with a few reporters while wife Barbara patiently - once again - waited for the scrum to end. Major champions Lanny Wadkins and Fuzzy Zoeller, the 1979 Masters champion, were chatting with friends. CBS announcer Jim Nantz was given an interview and talking with fans. Green jackets were on the veranda. Television crews were already in full gear. There are a few lulls in the action under the Oak, estimated to be 150 years old, but throughout the day, it's a busy place and basically a happening every day.

No cellphones are allowed at Augusta National. But you can buy an iPhone protector in the merchandise building. Complete with an Augusta National logo stamped on it.

"I don't know what to make of that," said Jane Rickert or Columbus, Ga. "It's funny but it's sort of infuriating. Leave your cell phone in the car but leave here with a protector? Huh?"